Ukraine crisis: how Kiev protests triggered a new Cold War

Demonstrations in Kiev that began back in November have now seen the overthrow
of the Ukrainian president and a Russian invasion of Crimea. The Telegraph's
Chief Foreign Correspondent David Blair explains how the situation has
developed

By David Blair, filmed by David Rose and edited by Phil Allen

8:00AM GMT 15 Mar 2014

What began with pro-EU protesters in Kiev in November of last year has led to a referendum that could divide Ukraine.

As the Crimean people vote on whether to stay in Ukraine or not, Chief Foreign Correspondent David Blair looks back at how the protests in the capital started a chain of events that has implications for the stability of the entire region.

Blair recalls what he witnessed on February 20th, the deadliest day in the country's history, when demonstrators in Kiev's Independence Square were fired upon by snipers. The protesters' persistence forced the resignation of the country's President, Viktor Yanukovych - but their victory was short-lived.

Demonstrations against the new government, and in favour of Russia, quickly flared up in Crimea - and President Putin has repeatedly asserted his right to exert influence in the area.

In this video report - shot by Telegraph videographer David Rose - Blair explains how events in Ukraine have developed since November last year.